Dr. Libby: How AI is Being Used in Orthodontics
By Dr. Warren Libby, DDS
In this post, we will explore how AI is being used in the field of orthodontics, and how Murray Orthodontics is embracing technology to enhance our patients’ experience.
AI is being used in orthodontics in various ways, such as:
Diagnosis: AI programs are currently learning how best to assist orthodontic diagnosis by analyzing dental images, such as x-rays, photographs, and scans. Currently Dr. Murray and Dr. Libby personally review all diagnostic images and create customized treatment plans for our patients. While a helpful adjunct to diagnosis, the quality of care that you expect from our team requires Dr. Murray and Dr. Libby to personally assess all your diagnostic images.
Treatment Simulations: By digitizing your teeth and smile, we can provide you with a simulation of your treatment and estimated result. This can allow you to see the end from the beginning. AI can assist in this process, making this much more efficient.
Treatment Planning: By digitizing your teeth, we can use the Invisalign software platform to customize your treatment with aligners. The Invisalign software and technicians learn our preferences and methods to help us process cases faster and more accurately for more predictable results.
Monitoring: AI can help us monitor the progress and compliance of patients during treatment by tracking the changes in the teeth and jaws, and alerting us if there are any issues or deviations from the plan. AI can also help you monitor your own oral health and hygiene by providing feedback and reminders through mobile apps or smart devices. Murray Orthodontics employs the Dental Monitoring platform to enhance patient communication with our office, ensure our patients are progressing as expected, and reduce the amount of time patients need to spend in our office.
Education: Digital simulations of various orthodontic treatment options can help you decide what’s best for you and your family. Visualizing how treatment is anticipated to progress can help you understand goals and challenges, and help you better know what to expect. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a short video may be priceless for helping you to understand your treatment and make informed decisions.
AI is a powerful and promising technology that is transforming the field of orthodontics. It is helping orthodontists improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient outcomes, increasing efficiencies, enhancing patient experience, and increasing accessibility. AI also helps Dr. Libby and Dr. Murray continue to educate themselves on the best ways to deliver orthodontic care. However, AI does not replace your orthodontist or give others the expertise to practice orthodontics. It is important to be aware of the opportunities and limitations of AI, and use it as a tool to complement and augment professional judgment and expertise.